Heavy vehicles barred from Amba Ghat amid landslide risk

Movement of heavy vehicles through Amba Ghat on National Highway 166 has been suspended due to road cracks and risk of landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall

PUNE: Movement of heavy vehicles through Amba Ghat on National Highway 166 (Kolhapur–Ratnagiri Road) has been suspended until further orders due to road cracks and the risk of landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall.

Movement of heavy vehicles through Amba Ghat on National Highway 166 has been suspended due to road cracks and risk of landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall. (HT)

The restriction was imposed on the request of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in coordination with the district administration as a precautionary measure to ensure commuter safety.

According to an advisory issued by the Highway Safety Police (HSP), Pune, heavy vehicles have been prohibited from using the Amba Ghat stretch until further notice. Transporters and truck operators have been advised to avoid the route and use alternative roads.

Shivaji Pawar, superintendent of police (Highway Safety Patrol, Pune), said, “The decision was taken after continuous rainfall weakened sections of the highway, resulting in visible cracks and increasing the possibility of landslides in the ghat section.”

The restriction currently applies only to heavy vehicles. Other motorists using Amba Ghat have been advised to drive cautiously, remain alert to road conditions and follow directions issued by police personnel and NHAI officials.